Facebook agrees to pull pages that harass, exploit Newtown

NEWTOWN, CT (WFSB) -

Facebook has agreed to remove some of the pages related to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown after concerns were being raised by family members of victims saying they're being harassed and exploited.

United States Senators Richard Blumenthal, Chris Murphy and United States Rep. Elizabeth Esty wrote a letter to Facebook asking them to remove the pages. In the letter, the lawmakers pointed out that in the past several months Facebook users have created hundreds of unofficial pages dedicated to the Newtown victims, which have become vehicles for harassment.

Facebook community standards request users refrain from posting personal information about others without their consent.

In the letter, lawmakers asked Facebook to direct the staff to remove the pages referred to in complaints by Donna Soto and Kaitlin Roig for violating the terms of service, and said if Facebook believes they don't violate terms of service to reply to the letter with a detailed response as to why.

Blumenthal's spokesperson said there were conversations between lawmakers and Facebook, and the social media website agreed to remove some of the pages.

In addition, Facebook said it would be willing to work with the Connecticut delegation on any future requests.